Warning issued on Chinese medicine

The Department of Health today warned the public not to buy or consume unregistered Chinese medicine Quan Xie Jin Gu Tong, as it may contain undeclared Western drug ingredients that are dangerous to health.

The appeal followed the hospitalisation of a 68-year-old man for peptic ulcer. He had been using the drug and other Western medicines for muscle pain. A drug-related adverse effect is believed to have occurred. He was treated and discharged.

Tests found the presence of diclofenac, piroxicam, and prednisone acetate.

He bought the drug in Huiyang. It is not registered in Hong Kong.

Diclofenac and piroxicam are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea, and peptic ulcers.

Prednisone acetate is a steroid and a prescription-only medicine. Taking it for a long time, especially in substantial dosages, can cause moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, peptic ulcers, and osteoporosis.